Do You Have Hope

HOPE TO SHARE 1 Peter 3: 8-22 "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.“Do not fear their threatsb; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answera to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hopeb that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing goodf than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:13-17) We as believers should have a hope-filled life in Christ, as we liv out that hope filled life it should give us a desire to have conversations with people that the gospel of Jesus Christ and tthe study of the word of God is the reason we have that HOPE. Paul says we should, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (v. 15). Friends, we live in a world filled with brokenness, pain and despair, so when someone sees you full of joy and hope that seems to be bubbling out of you, it sparks their attention and will possibly make them wonder what is making it so. what that person has. So then when they ask you about it as you ready to share? That my friends is God opening a door, and He can use you to point them to the good news of Jesus, because He died to give them life, love and hope. He died that they might be born aggain, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, born into and new life an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1:3). If we are prepared and ready, fulfilling our duties as a believer we will be ready to share God’s love with others, we will find it a great privilege to telling them about Jesuswho has given us the hope we are displaying in our lives. This morning I say to myself and I say to you, do't be discouraged when you are put down, or the message you share does not seem to get through. Or the person your talking to listens and then in the end denys the word you have shared. Or they listened but just seem like they are not interested in the moment. Remember the seed has been planted. So, if you are like me, you would be a little disappointed, but be assured that the reality is that you have been obedient to Gods call to Go and share the gospel, you were prepared as the verse says, “Be prepared to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15). You lovingly shared God’s plan of salvation and that the seed has been planted in that soul, now God will water it and help it to grow. Another thing, we have not been ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). We,“give an answer to everyone God brought across our path and we gave a reason for the hope that we have” (1 Peter 3:15). Now we just have to let the “conversation be . . . full of grace” leaving it in the hands of God, the great gardener. (Colossians 4:6) leaving the person we have wittnessed to in the right spirit. We will have a fulilled feeling and see it as a real privilege, God hass given us to make Christ known to others! WE need to remain sharp and ready to share with others the reason for the hope we have within us, and that God is always there ready to supply what we need. Be prepare for an opportunity to share your faith. Ask yourself this, who does God want you to misister to today, ask God to prepare someone for the message He wants you to give. Dear God, thank you for the Hope you have given me to live a life of JOY and LOVE and the strength to go and share the word with others. I ask you today, please encourage my heart and help me to be ready to open my mouth and “give an answer” to others who need You. It is in Your name I pray AMEN